Overview of the Nissan Cube

If famed artist Pablo Picasso were alive today and looking for good used car, he'd definitely take a look at a Nissan Cube. Picasso, one of the pioneers of Cubism, would appreciate the name, but he’d also enjoy the Cube’s bold, quirky design touches. Anybody can make a humdrum box-on-wheels that does everything the Cube does (and many do), but this Nissan is different by design and proud of it.

The asymmetrical (looking) rear window treatment is the thing everyone notices first, but the Cube’s interior is also full of thoughtful, creative ideas. The swirled ceiling is something to behold, whether you’re the kind of young person Nissan was going for with this car or someone old enough to remember doing something similar to a customized Ford Econoline back in the day.

The stock stereos aren’t quite as cool as the rest of the Cube, but they try. The good news is that you can improve your sound quality without taking away from the quirkiness that makes the Cube such a fun little ride. Read on to learn more.

The Cube's radios are generally pretty easy to remove and replace (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

The Cube’s stereo system is, fittingly, a building-block kind of thing. The base system included two front door speakers, the 4-speaker system added rear door speakers, and the 6-speaker system added front pillar tweeters wired in parallel with the front doors. The 7-speaker Rockford Fosgate system will have speakers in all those locations, plus a subwoofer in the rear door.

The Rockford system features a unique receiver and its own speakers, but all the removal and replacement instructions are the same for both versions. The Rockford subwoofer and amplifier, alas, cannot be retained when you replace the factory radio. Plan on upgrading those pieces, too.

If your Cube is equipped with factory Bluetooth® connectivity, you’ll need to bypass the Bluetooth module, the steering wheel control input, and the output wires when you install an aftermarket steering wheel control interface.

When you replace the factory radio, you'll lose the factory AUX input connection and the factory satellite radio capability, but both of those features can easily be found in an aftermarket receiver.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

Airbag warning light note: If you happen to turn the ignition key ON while the passenger airbag switch is disconnected, the vehicle’s SRS system will store a fault code and cause the airbag light to light up. Your Crutchfield MasterSheet will say that you’ll need to have a dealership reset the code, but we have since discovered a way to reset it without the factory diagnostic tool. This procedure places the computer into Diagnosis mode, then back out of Diagnosis mode and into standard User mode. This will clear any codes stored into the system.

Questions? We imagine so. Thankfully, your Crutchfield car audio purchase includes free tech support for the life of your gear. Just give us a call.

You'll need to remove the dash panels to get to the stock radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the Cube's factory radio

The stock receiver is pretty easy to reach and remove, and there’s a nice variety of single-DIN (2” tall) and double-DIN (4” tall) aftermarket receivers that will fit. To install a new double-DIN model, you'll need to use the factory radio's brackets. If, for some reason, you don't have the brackets, you can obtain them from your dealership.

It’s also important to note that the wiring harness does not have a ground connection. You'll need to connect your new stereo to a grounding point in your Cube.

Before you start removing the old radio, be sure to set the parking brake and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical short. The Cube isn’t that big, but you still don’t want to chase it down your driveway or fry your system.

First off, you’ll remove the two Phillips screws above the dash bag hooks and remove both hooks. Next, pull out the climate control trim panel to release four clips, then remove the panel.

Remove the two Phillips screws securing the lower receiver trim panel to the dash. Pull the receiver trim panel toward the rear of the vehicle to release eight clips and, using a towel, allow the panel to hang by the harnesses. Remove four the Phillips screws securing the receiver to the dash, then disconnect the harnesses and remove the receiver.

To install the new receiver, follow the instructions included with your dash kit and wiring harness adapter. Once it’s in, test it to make sure it’s working. If it is, start putting the dash back together.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Nissan Cube

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your car's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Whether you have base or Rockford Fosgate speakers in the doors, the removal process is the same (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory speakers

The Cube’s speakers are pretty each to reach and replace.

• If you bypass the factory amp, we recommend replacing the low-impedance factory speakers with standard 4-ohm aftermarket speakers to prevent overheating and other damage to your new radio. The other option is to add an aftermarket amplifier, which will have the extra benefit of getting the most out of your new speakers.
• If you choose to keep the factory amp, we recommend 2-ohm aftermarket speakers.

Upgrading your door speakers and pillar tweeters with a component speaker system will make a big difference in your Cube's sound (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the front pillar speakers

The available 1-3/4” front pillar speakers are pretty easy to get to and you can replace them with plenty of component system tweeters.

Pull the door gasket away from the body. Use a panel tool to pry out the top edge of the pillar trim panel to release the retaining clips, then lift up the trim panel to remove it. Remove one 10mm screw and pry out the plastic clip securing the tweeter to the pillar steel, then disconnect the harness and remove the tweeter.

A wiring harness is not available for these tweeters, so you'll have to splice or tap the vehicle's speaker wires to your new speaker wires. For an easier option, you can use Posi-Products speaker connectors. You’ll also need to use hot glue, silicone, or our universal backstraps to secure the new tweeters.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 10mm socket, ratchet and extension

You'll need to remove the door panels to replace the front and rear door speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the front door speakers

The 6-1/2” front door speakers can be replaced by same-size or 6-3/4” aftermarket models. You’ll need mounting brackets to install your new speakers, and we’ll include them with your order. With 6-3/4” speakers, you'll need to remove the inner tabs on those speaker brackets. The brackets are a cool touch, because they eliminate the need to drill new mounting lholes.

To remove and replace these speakers, you’ll need to remove the door panels. Starting at the top corner, pry off the sail panel to release the clips, then remove the panel. Next, remove the Phillips screw inside the door pull cup.

Starting at the rear edge, pry up the power switch panel to release those retaining clips, then disconnect the harnesses and remove the panel. Pry out the sides and bottom of the door panel to release seven clips, then remove the panel and store it someplace safe and out of the way. Remove the three Phillips screws securing the speaker to the door, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Once the new speakers are secured, test them to make sure they’re working as they should. If they are, start putting the doors back together. Make sure the doors and locks are working properly before you finish up.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

The door speakers can be replaced by a variety of 6-1/2" or 6-3/4" speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear door speakers

The Cube’s rear door speakers are the same as the ones up front, and you can replace them with 6-1/2” or 6-3/4” aftermarket models. The bracket info is also the same for these speakers.

The removal/replacement process is pretty similar, too. You’ll start by removing the Phillips screw inside the door pull cup. Then you’ll start at rear edge and pry up the power switch panel to release the retaining clips before disconnecting the harnesses and removing the panel.

Remove the Phillips screw in the cargo hook cavity, then remove the cavity insert. Pry out the sides and bottom of the door panel to release seven clips and remove the panel. Remove the three Phillips screws securing the speaker to the door, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

The Rockford Fosgate system includes an 8" subwoofer in the cargo door (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear door subwoofer

As noted before, you’ll need to replace the 8” Rockford Fosgate subwoofer in the cargo door if you want enjoy some bass from your new receiver. This sub is a dual voice coil design, and both voice coils are combined in parallel to a single channel output from the factory amp, which is also located back here.

You'll re-use the factory enclosure when you install your new subwoofer. As mentioned, the factory sub is an 8" model and you have approximately 3.4" of depth to work with. That makes this enclosure perfect for many of our shallow-mount subwoofers.

Depending on which subwoofer you choose, you may have to drill new screw holes or fabricate a speaker bracket. Drilling isn’t hard, but it’s important to work carefully, know what you’re drilling into, and always, always wear eye protection.

The factory sub removal process starts with prying off the door trim panel to release thirteen clips. Remove the trim panel and set it aside.

Remove the four 10mm screws securing the woofer enclosure to the door, then lift up the enclosure to release two clips at the top before disconnecting the harness and removing the enclosure.

Remove the eight Phillips screws securing the front of the woofer to the enclosure, then remove the Phillips screw securing the rear of the woofer to the enclosure. Cut the wires off of the speaker and remove it.

A wiring harness is not available for this speaker, so you'll have to splice or tap the vehicle's speaker wires to your new speaker wires.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 10mm socket, ratchet and extension, Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Nissan Cube

There's room for a subwoofer box in the cargo area, but a powered sub might be a more practical solution (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Adding bass to your Cube

If you don’t have a factory sub or just want to bypass it altogether and go with a big subwoofer box, the Cube has plenty of room. The available space measures 39” W x 22” H x 7”/17” D, so go big if you feel like it.

If you don’t want to go big because you need space for everyday things like groceries and stuff, you can still add some thump to your ride A powered subwoofer will work nicely and it won’t take up a ton of cargo space.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

WeatherTech floor liners will keep your car's carpets looking spiffy

Other options for your Cube

Here are some more cool ideas for your Cube.

Add an amplifier for better sound

If you install new speakers, consider installing a 4-channel amplifier to further improve the sound. That will let you get the best sound from your music and really fill up the Cube's spacious cabin. And if you install subwoofers, you'll also need to install an amplifier to power them as well. Learn more about adding amps to your system in our Car Amplifier Buying Guide.

Floor mats

Daily driving can take a toll on your Cube's carpeting. WeatherTech floor mats and liners will help protect your floors from dirt and damage.

Security

Installing a security system in your Cube isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.

We're including this shot of the Cube's ceiling because it's really, really cool (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Let's get started!

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